MEE TR Web Portal

Introduction

Tadoba Tiger Reserve (625 km²) was notified on 23 February 1995, comprising Tadoba NP, one of the oldest national parks of India, declared in 1955 (116.55 km²) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, declared in 1986 (508. 85 km²). In 2007 the Government of Maharashtra declared a 625.82 km² area of Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) as the Critical Tiger Habitat as per the provisions of Section 38 V of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. In 2010, a total extent of 1101.7711 km² of forest land and a 401.4902km² extent of non-forest land, consisting of 106 villages, was notified as the buffer zone of Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. It is under the unified control of the Conservator of Forest and Field Director TATR, with two Deputy Directors who are the executive officers of the core and buffer areas of TATR. There are a total of 11 ranges in TATR, out of which six ranges are in the buffer and five in the core area.

Adequate number of staff have been sanctioned as part of the process for reorganisation of beats, but there are some vacancies against the sanctioned strength, particularly the posts of Forest Guard (35 vacant against the sanctioned strength of 159) and Forest Guard STPF (34 vacant against 81). Apart from the permanent staff, more than 300 daily wage staff nominated by EDCs are deployed at patrolling camps to assist the Forest Guards. Contractual posting of a veterinarian, GIS expert, wildlife biologist, legal advisor and tourism manager has been done by the TR’s conservation foundation. In addition, more than 300 fire-watchers are also deployed seasonally during the fire season, i.e., 15 February to 15 June.

The Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) was established in the tiger reserve in 2012 with three units with sanctioned posts of one ACF, three RFOs, 81 Forest Guards and 27 Forest Watchers. They are stationed at three different locations (Chimur, Chandrapur and Mul) which strategically cover almost the entire area of TR and adjacent areas. A specially trained dog squad is also in place. The STPF also conductes joint patrolling with MSEB to avoid any case of electrocution. The ongoing project to restore the habitat and remove weeds within the Critical Tiger Habitat is funded by the state CAMPA and ICICI Foundation, with expert guidance from Dr. Gajanan D. Muratkar. The checklist of edible grass species and invasive weeds present in the area has been published for the use of the frontline staff. An effort is made every year to periodically remove terrestrial and aquatic exotic weeds.

TATR is blessed with perennial and seasonal water sources but during summer months several water sources dry upThere are 134 water holes in the core area (one in each 5 km × 5 km grid) that are managed to reduce conflicts , especially in the dry season, when tigers and other wildlife are likely to stray out into villages in search of water. Auto-operated solar water pumps are installed at artificial water holes in the core and buffer (50 in the buffer and 44 in the core). Five out of six villages have been voluntarily rehabilitated from the Critical Tiger Habitat, and efforts to secure the voluntary relocation of the last remaining village, Rantalodhi, are in progress.

The participatory eco-tourism involving the local community, especially in buffer areas, seems have incentivized local communities to preserve the forest habitat. TATR provides training in alternate livelihoods in the hospitality sector as well as independent professions such as tailoring and agarbatti making. Home stays are promoted in adjoining villages. Buffer villages are provided with LPG connections under the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Jan-Van Vikas Yojana (SPMY). A comprehensive Crisis Management Plan has been developed to prevent, monitor and control fires. Control rooms have been established at the offices of the Deputy Director (Core) and DD (Buffer).

To minimize damage caused by potential outbreaks, fire lines are cut and burnt annually before the fire season commences. A satellite-based fire alert service operated by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and NASA’s FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) are also used to access “near-real time” active fire data. The fire control teams’ dedicated “Hotshot Crew” members operate under each control room. Mobile fire-fighting units provided with wireless handsets, leaf blowers, water tankers, fire beaters, shovels and rakes are stationed at every Range HQ.

A specific plan has also been developed to address multifarious issues – including fire hazards due to the presence of dried and dead bamboo – caused by the current cycle of gregarious bamboo flowering, To handle and rescue conflict animals, two Rapid Rescue Teams are in place, one at Chandrapur Forest Division and another at Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. They are supported by a wildlife veterinarian and police constable (on deputation). The teams are well-equipped with tranquilizer guns, medicines, trap cages, etc. and are trained extensively to meet the challenges of the RRTs.

The MEE was conducted from 17 to 20 September 2022 by a team comprising Sh. Bishan Singh Bonal, IFS, Rtd. PCCF & HOFF Assam and former MS NTCA ADG PT, Dr. Sandeep Tripathi, IFS, Rtd. PCCF & CWLW Odisha and Sh. Shailesh Prasad, IFS Rtd. Sh. Pawan Kumar, IFS Rtd. and Dr. Gautam Talukdar, WII could not join the team. The MEE team was accompanied by officers, namely Dr. Jitendra Ramgaonkar (IFS), Conservator of Forest and Field Director TATR, Sh. Nandkishor Kale (IFS), Deputy Director Core TATR, Sh. G. Guruprasad (IFS), Deputy Director Buffer TATR, Sh. Abhijeet Waikos (IFS), Assistant Conservator of Forest (Probationary Officer) TATR, Sh. Bapu Yele, Assistant Conservator of Forest Buffer TATR, Sh. Mahesh Khore, Assistant Conservator of Forest Core TATR, Prajakta Hushangabadkar, Wildlife Biologist TATR and Shahebaj Shekh, GIS Expert TATR.

Management Strengths:

TATR is well connected with different tiger reserves through effective corridors, viz., Bramhapuri Forest Division towards the east and Chandrapur Forest Division towards the west. It is also connected to Kanha Tiger Reserve through Navegaon-Nagzira, Indravati Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve. Further, it is connected to Kawal and Indravati tiger reserves in the south.
The relocation of five villages from CTH has been completed, adding more than 622 ha of area for wildlife use free from excessive anthropogenic disturbance. The last village in CTH, Rantalodhi, is currently being relocated, and the process is expected to be completed by 2023.
Ongoing efforts to protect the tiger and its habitats as part of TATR’s overall management strategy also serve the goals of preserving the habitat for the herbivore species. The grassland management plan has been prepared in collaboration with Prof. Muratkar; a three-year meadow development and weed removal plan is operational with funding support from the state CAMPA and ICICI Foundation in an around 800 ha area.
The tiger reserve has perennial water sources such as the Andhari River; Kolsa, Pangadi, Mohorli, Tadoba, Telia Dam, Erai dam; supplemented by various water holes with provision of solar pumping system within TATR which makes it a good habitat for wildlife.
The management of the buffer area with the help of EDCs seems to be effective.
TR has been successful in tapping donations from various organizations under CSR which supplements state resources.
TATR has an established fully functional wireless network with two base stations at each range, which has made communication in the core and buffer areas more effective.
To improve the visitor’s experience, TATR has established a fully functional call centre.
TATR has adopted Bagheera App, which helps the administration track and control movements of tourists during safaris. Bagheera App helps the management get the exact location, time, duration and distance covered of the safari vehicles.
TATR, with the help of Dr. Muratkar (grassland expert), has conducted research in the relocated areas and other grassland areas for ensuring effective habitat management.
To ensure effective work in the field, the TR has been conducting 10 days’ orientation workshops for staff members who have joined the TR. They focus on areas like habitat management and wildlife technical issues at Chandrapur Forest Academy on a regular basis.
TR has been successful in providing solar fences to more than 4000 beneficiaries spread in 92 villages of the buffer area which have drastically reduced human–wildlife cases and reduced compensation amounts as well.
TR has carried out a successful reorganization of ranges and beats which made the administration more effective. The size of beats was reduced from 1800 ha to 1000 ha and the number of ranges was increased by two.
TATR has effectively used real time NASA FIRMS and FSI fire data to reduce fires drastically in the last three years. Further, a fire control room has constituted in 2022 to deal with emergency cases.
TATR has developed a website through the foundation, which is effective in engaging tourists and disseminating information.
Successful prevention of Bander Coal Block from mining has prevented degradation of the critical habitat for wildlife.
The residential area and office have been relocated from the core area and electric lines have been removed, which reduce habitat degradation.

Management Weaknesses:

The existing TCP of TATR, valid for 2008–09 to 2018–19, was later extended to 2015-16 to 2025-26 by NTCA. The TCP has a lot of decade-old data and few prescriptions for protection/management or habitat management/effective monitoring.
There are 92 villages in the buffer area, out of which 23 villages have high impact disturbance factors. The resources dependence of theses villages puts a lot of biotic pressure on the TR apart from undesirable biotic interference.
There are a number of vacancies among the frontline staff (57 FGs vacancies out of a 240 sanctioned strength). Further, in the case of the STPF this is more pronounced (i.e., 25 out of sanctioned 81 posts of FG) as the state government has modified the provision to mandatory service up to attaining 40 years of age before transfer from STPF.
There are two sanctioned posts of Veterinary Officer which are managed by contractual persons and not regular recruited doctors.
Though the Steering Committee has been constituted by the state government in 2008/revised in 2013, no Steering Committee meeting has taken place since 2018.
The area outside and adjoining TATR in the Chandrapur–Gadchiroli landscape is one of the worst impacted human–tiger interface areas of the country.
The Chandrapur–Mul–Gadchiroli highway has had casualties of wild animals in the last few years, which is serious threat to wildlife.
There is no interpretation centre at TR to ensure effective information dissemination to visitors. Further, there is no proper directional signage at the gate and other locations.
A night safari is being operated by TATR in the buffer area, which has an adverse impact on ecosystem.

Immediate Actionable Points:

The existing TCP of TATR was valid for 2008–09 to 2018–19. It was later extended to 2015–16 to 2025–26 by NTCA. The TCP has a lot of decade-old data and few prescriptions for protection/management or habitat management/effective monitoring protocols. It is high time that the TCP is updated. The TATR management may prepare immediately a mid-term revision document, as prescribed in TCP, with all the latest data for mid-term alteration due approval from NTCA.
TATR is proposing to prepare a vision document of TR with due stakeholder consultation including public representatives. It is a positive step; however, it may be ensured that the vision document is in consonance with the TCP objectives. It is suggested that relevant technical/managerial prescriptions of the vision document be included in the draft mid-term appraisal TCP of TATR.
TATR has relocated five villages out of six villages recently, which is to be appreciated. The process of relocation of the remaining village, Rantalodi, has already been initiated with Stage I FC approval of the identified forest land. Out of 244 families, 211 families have already agreed and have been given preparatory Rs.1 lakh advances. Efforts should be made to take on board the remaining 33 families for relocation outside the core area. Immediate steps should be taken by the authorities to relocate this village to make the core area inviolate.
There are 92 villages in the buffer area out of which 23 villages are with high impact disturbance factors. TATR has prioritized out of these nine villages for resources dependence analysis. The analysis for one village, Karwa, adjoining to the core has already been done through the BNHS. A proposal for its relocation has been sent to the government. TATR may take up the matter with the government to consider such relocation as in MP and Odisha, where relocation from PAs/RFs/corridors is also permissible
There are a number of vacancies in the STPF (25 out of 81 sanctioned posts of FG) as the department has modified the provision of mandatory service up to attaining 40 years of age before transfer from STPF. The management may immediately move the department to fill these vacancies and take up fresh recruitment in SPTF strictly following NTCA guidelines to stop the demoralisation of the STPF and avoid the creation of vacancies as a fallout of transfers outside the STPF.
There are two sanctioned posts of Veterinary Officer which are managed by contractual persons. Steps may be taken to fill up these posts with freshly recruited candidates or candidates on deputation.
Though good fodder management and GIS mapping over 731 ha has been taken up, there is lack of clarity on the extent of area under grassland. For management it is suggested that assessment of the area under grasslands may be taken up by the TATR staff or some reputed organisation.
The TR has taken excellent steps for encroachment removal over 550 ha out of 1329 ha. However, for the balance 395 ha, the proposal is pending with the Collector for the last 1.5 years. The state government may be pursued through the appropriate authority to immediately dispose the pending cases.
Though most of the resorts are paying the conservation fee, a few owners are yet to pay the same. The management needs to take steps to bring all the private resorts on the same footing, making them pay the requisite fee to the Foundation.
Though the Steering Committee has been constituted by the state government in 2008/revised in 2013, no Steering Committee meeting has taken place since 5 December 2018. Action may be taken by the state government to convene the Steering Committee meetings on a regular basis.
TATR has prepared a proposal to extend the area by adding Andhari WL Sanctuary (78 km²) and to notify the extended area as the CTH to reduce the biotic pressure on the TR. The proposal has been duly approved by the State Board of Wildlife, and the notification is pending with the state government. The state government needs to issue a notification in this regard immediately.
The Range Offices do not have lock-up rooms. It is envisaged to have separate lock-ups for males and females. The state government needs to ensure this is realised by suitably modifying the plans/estimates of the range offices being constructed in the state henceforth.
Retrofitting of the Chandrapur–Mul–Gadchiroli highway needs to be taken up immediately considering the casualties of wild animals on the road in the last few years.
Overall, the signage and gates are inadequate. Basic amenities for the visitors and interpretation centres at important gates are also not up to the standard. Therefore upgrading the signages with information in two languages is required. Establishment of tourist entry gates of appropriate standards along with basic amenities for visitors and establishment of an interpretation centre need to be undertaken by TATR to ensure effective information dissemination to visitors.
Research projects may be undertaken through various institutions, universities and colleges in TATR (studies of DNA mapping of rescue and conflict animals, economic evaluation of TR and impact on dispersal of tiger population, status surveys of the threatened species inTATR other than the tiger).
TR has proposed an additional 10,000 solar fences for beneficiaries from the buffer area to cover the entire villages in buffer areas, which need to be undertaken expeditiously.
Although an effective awareness campaign has been conducted, a technology-based surveillance solution for advance information dissemination to villagers about wildlife movements needs to be provided.
The proposal to establish a tiger safari and rescue centre as approved by NTCA may be expedited taking into account the recent legal developments.
The night safari being operated by TATR in the buffer area has an adverse impact on the ecosystem and is not in consonance with the directives of NTCA. The management may consider closing the night safari.

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Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Management Strengths:

Management Weaknesses:

Immediate Actionable Points:

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